Triangular Diffuser Manifold Layout for Uniform Outlet Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manifold designs face challenges in achieving uniform fluid distribution across outlets while maintaining a compact footprint, with header-based manifolds compromising flow uniformity for reduced size and header-less manifolds requiring multiple generations for more than two outlets.
Innovation Solution
A manifold design featuring a tapered header channel and a triangular-shaped diffuser with linearly varying channel lengths and pressures, ensuring compatibility between the header and diffuser to achieve uniform flow velocity at the outlet zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a header-based manifold is used to reduce streamwise extent, then the manifold footprint is reduced, but flow uniformity across outlets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The header channel employs a tapered cross-section where the width varies along the streamwise direction, creating locally different flow conditions. This local variation in header geometry compensates for the shortened streamwise extent, ensuring that each outlet receives uniform flow despite the compact overall dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The header channel cross-sectional width is varied as a parameter along its length, transitioning from a wider upstream section to a narrower downstream section. This parameter change optimizes the pressure distribution and flow splitting, achieving uniform outlet flow in a compact configuration
2Manufacturing precision
If a bifurcating manifold is used to achieve uniform flow, then flow uniformity is improved, but the streamwise extent increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is segmented into distinct functional zones: a header channel for flow distribution and a diffuser region for flow uniformization. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving uniform flow without requiring the extended streamwise length of traditional bifurcating manifolds
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser acts as an intermediary element between the header channel and the outlets. It mediates the flow from the header by gradually expanding and distributing it uniformly across all outlets, eliminating the need for multiple generations of bifurcating channels
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold for providing a uniform flow velocity of a fluid is disclosed. The manifold includes a header channel that includes a port to receive the fluid and a triangular-shaped diffuser. The triangular-shaped diffuser includes a plurality channels, each of which is in fluid communication with one of a plurality of openings of the header channel. Each of the channels terminate at a distal opening on an outlet plane. The length of each channel varies linearly based on its position along a length of the header channel. A downstream-most location of the header channel intersects the outlet plane at an angle ϕ. The header channel and the triangular-shaped diffuser are configured to provide a uniform flow velocity at the outlet zone during fluid flow. The manifold provides for a compact design while ensuring uniform flow velocity.